2. What does it mean if equipment is no longer supported by the EIS manufacturer?

Several currently certified BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) models from SPX, SnapOn, and OPUS (Gen1 and Gen2) will no longer be supported by the EIS manufacturer.
If equipment is no longer supported, it means that if the equipment breaks down, the EIS manufacturer will no longer service or repair it.

2017 Specification Update

3. What are the future requirements for BAR-97 Emissions Inspection Systems (EIS)?

After the required regulations are adopted, BAR will require stations update or replace their BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) to comply with BAR’s new 2017 Specification.
EIS that do not meet updated requirements will be locked out. Major changes to existing EIS requirements include the change from dial-up to Internet connectivity, the direct capture
of Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test (LPFET) tester data, and potentially a new emissions measurement device (gas bench). As long as your existing LPFET tester communicates directly
with the EIS computer, a new LPFET tester will not be required to meet the 2017 Specification because BAR has not changed the LPFET specification. The EIS manufacturer may require
replacement of Systech LPFET testers in the future since these models are becoming difficult to support.

OPUS and Worldwide Environmental Products (WEP) have indicated they are both planning to offer 2017 Specification upgrades to newer EIS. OPUS Gen3 and most WEP EIS-5000 model Emissions
Inspection Systems (EIS) are capable of being upgraded to meet the 2017 Specification. Contact your EIS manufacturer for details as some EIS may require computer and gas bench replacement
before receiving additional updates.

BAR strongly suggests that stations prepare for the future by obtaining a BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) that is capable of being upgraded to the 2017 Specification as soon as possible.
Although no exact date has yet been determined, BAR plans to terminate all EIS dial-up connectivity and require Internet connectivity no later than mid-2018. Other EIS upgrades required to meet
the 2017 Specification will be required when most stations have all the remaining updates (or have obtained new EIS), and after regulations are final. This is not expected until at least mid-2018.
BAR’s BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) Information page shows the status of update certification.

Nearly 30% of all vehicles in the state are still subject to tailpipe testing. Although this population of vehicles is shrinking, it is still a sizable portion of the overall fleet.
As it is important for these vehicles to be inspected and repaired (if necessary), there is currently no planned date to sunset tailpipe testing. Updates to the BAR-97 Emissions
Inspection System (EIS) are required to ensure that tailpipe testing can continue. The first update, an Internet connection, is required because BAR’s central database is being
updated to no longer use obsolete dial-up equipment. Additionally, many stations continue to experience EIS outages because supporting traditional dial-up phone lines is becoming
more difficult for large telephone companies. Subsequent updates to the EIS will modernize the equipment and allow EIS manufacturers to support the equipment effectively well into the future.

Other Equipment Changes

7. What other changes are the BAR-97 manufacturers planning?

With replacement parts becoming difficult to obtain, Emissions Inspection System (EIS) manufacturers plan to submit redesigned or different components to BAR for certification. For example, the Low Pressure
Fuel Evaporative Tester, OBD reader, and gas measurement device (aka bench) may change to new or different models. Stations may need these new replacement parts if EIS manufacturers
determine they are no longer able to effectively support older components.

Cost

8. What will the BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) Internet update cost?

OPUS and Worldwide Environmental Products (WEP) have told BAR that the Internet connection update will be free if the user has a newer-model Emissions Inspection System (EIS).
To upgrade an older EIS, it will likely require the purchase of a new EIS computer that is capable of running a compliant operating system (Windows 7). Contact your EIS
manufacturer for more information.

9. What is the cost to make a BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) fully compliant with BAR’s 2017 Specification?

OPUS and Worldwide Environmental Products (WEP) have informed BAR that there will not be a cost for leased analyzers. Customers upgrading older owned (not leased) analyzers
should contact their Emissions Inspection System (EIS) manufacturer for specific information on EIS update costs since additional hardware components will likely be required.

Inspection Procedures

10. Will there be any change to the population of vehicles that require a tailpipe test when use of the updated BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) is required?

No changes are being made to the population of vehicles that require a BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) inspection. The rules established in the 2013 Smog Check Manual will
remain unchanged in the 2017 Smog Check Manual.

11. What is changing in the 2017 Smog Check Manual?

Appendix C has been added to show what aftermarket parts require an Executive Order (EO) exemption.

Section 1.2.4 has been added to reintroduce old language allowing exhaust sample dilution.

Footnote 1 of the Test Requirements Table states that dedicated propane and natural gas vehicles over 14,000 lbs. GVWR do not require a Smog Check inspection.

The Government Fleet BAR File Number must be entered when inspecting a government fleet vehicle.

Clarification of vehicles that require TSI instead of ASM has been added.